Alex Ovechkin – How Ovi Became the All-Time Leading Goal Scorer
Alex Ovechkin is not your average professional hockey player. The man crushes Subway sandwiches and flaming hot Cheetos like they are going out of style. He regularly lights other players up with full body checks. And often doesn’t look like he’s really trying that hard at all on the ice.
Yet despite all of that, Ovechkin is a machine when it comes to scoring goals, which is why he just broke Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record of 894 goals. Ovi now has 895 goals as of the publishing date of this article. An insanely impressive accomplish that many for the longest time thought would be impossible.
Today we will go back in time to review how Alex Ovechkin got to where he is now in his career and why he will go down as one of the greatest professional hockey players of all-time.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, Alex Ovechkin was destined for greatness. Coming from an athletic family—his mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball—sports ran in his blood. Ovechkin’s passion for hockey was evident from an early age, and he quickly became a standout player in Russia’s youth hockey system. By the time he was a teenager, scouts had already taken notice of his incredible speed, powerful shot, and physical presence on the ice.
Dominating the Russian Leagues
Before making the jump to the NHL, Ovechkin played for Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) in the Russian Superleague (RSL). From 2001 to 2005, he honed his skills against seasoned professionals, solidifying his reputation as one of the top prospects in the world. In his final season with Dynamo, he posted 26 points in 37 games, proving he was ready for the next challenge: the NHL.
NHL Draft and Rookie Sensation
In the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Washington Capitals selected Ovechkin with the first overall pick. However, due to the 2004-05 NHL lockout, his debut was delayed until the 2005-06 season. When he finally hit the ice, Ovechkin took the league by storm. He scored 52 goals and 106 points in his rookie season, earning the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. His electrifying style of play and signature one-timer from the left circle quickly became his trademark.
The Rise of “The Great 8”
Over the next decade, Ovechkin cemented himself as one of the most dominant goal scorers in hockey history. His accolades included:
- Nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies (2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) as the NHL’s leading goal scorer, the most by any player in league history.
- Three Hart Memorial Trophies (2008, 2009, 2013) awarded to the league’s most valuable player.
- Twelve NHL All-Star Game selections, showcasing his consistency as one of the league’s elite players.
- Three Ted Lindsay Awards (2008, 2009, 2010), given to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by fellow players.
- An Art Ross Trophy (2008) for leading the NHL in points during the regular season.
Despite his numerous individual achievements, one thing eluded him—the Stanley Cup.
Stanley Cup Glory and Career Milestones
For years, critics questioned whether Ovechkin could lead the Capitals to a championship. In 2018, he silenced the doubters. Ovechkin led Washington to its first-ever Stanley Cup, scoring 15 goals in the playoffs and capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason’s MVP. The image of Ovechkin lifting the Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in hockey history.
Following his Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin continued to climb the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring list. He passed legends like Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman, and Mark Messier, inching closer to the seemingly unbreakable record set by Wayne Gretzky.
Breaking the Unbreakable: Passing Gretzky
For decades, Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 goals was considered untouchable. Yet, Ovechkin defied the odds. On April 6, 2025, he scored his 895th career goal, officially becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. He managed to do this in 1,487 games, coincidentally the exact same number of games Gretzky took to score his 894 goals. What a crazy time for hockey history. His relentless pursuit of greatness, combined with his durability and consistency, allowed him to accomplish what many thought was impossible.
Here’s Goal 894 by the “Great 8” to tie the “Great One”:
Here’s Goal 895, officially making Ovechkin the all-time leading goal scorer:
Ovechkin is now at the top of the list for most goals. A list with some very impressive names:
- Alex Ovechkin: 895
- Wayne Gretzky: 894
- Gordie Howe: 801
- Jaromir Jagr: 766
- Brett Hull: 741
Ovi is also 11th on an elite list of all-time point leaders, inching closer to Joe Sakic who played for the Colorado Avalanche. Sidney Crosby is the only other active player on this list.
- Wayne Gretzky, 2,857 (894 goals + 1,963 assists)
- Jaromir Jagr, 1,921 (766 goals + 1,155 assists)
- Mark Messier, 1,887 (694 goals + 1,193 assists)
- Gordie Howe, 1,850 (801 goals + 1,049 assists)
- Ron Francis, 1,798 (549 goals + 1,249 assists)
- Marcel Dionne, 1,771 (731 goals + 1,040 assists)
- Steve Yzerman, 1,755 (692 goals + 1,063 assists)
- Mario Lemieux, 1,723 (690 goals + 1,033 assists)
- Sidney Crosby, 1,682 (622 goals + 1,060 assists)
- Joe Sakic, 1,641 (625 goals + 1,016 assists)
- Alex Ovechkin, 1,619 (895 goals + 724 assists)
Legacy and Impact on the Game
Ovechkin’s impact on hockey extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess. His physicality, charisma, and passion for the game have made him a fan favorite around the world. He has inspired a new generation of players, particularly in Russia, where he remains a national hero. His ability to maintain an elite level of play well into his late 30s is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.
As he continues to add to his record-breaking total, one thing is certain: Alex Ovechkin will go down as one of the greatest players in NHL history. His journey from a young Russian phenom to the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is a story of perseverance, passion, and pure talent.
